Stratford mayor: New school should be named after Victoria Soto

Updated 9:54 pm, Monday, January 7, 2013

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Victoria Soto threw herself in front of her first grade students at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. She was killed in the mass shooting with twenty-six people including 20 children Photo: Instagram Source

Victoria Soto threw herself in front of her first grade students at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. She was killed in the mass shooting with twenty-six people including

Victoria Soto threw herself in front of her first grade students at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. She was killed in the mass shooting with twenty-six people including 20 children.

Victoria Soto threw herself in front of her first grade students at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. She was killed in the mass shooting with twenty-six people including

Construction will begin on the new school, to replace the Honeyspot House School, this summer, town officials say.

"In the days since the tragedy in Sandy Hook, the stories of bravery and heroism by Stratford's own Victoria Soto have been both heart-wrenching and abundant. She gave her life protecting children, and we must make sure her sacrifice is never forgotten," Harkins said in a news release.

"Over the last couple of weeks, I have met with Victoria's family and discussed how the town can recognize her in a meaningful and appropriate way. Her family has shown amazing strength and resilience in remembering and honoring Victoria's life."

The measure needs approval by the Town Council, which was expected to take up the matter at its meeting Monday.

The new school, which will house kindergarten through second-grade students, will be constructed near the intersection of Birdseye and Everett streets.